MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Labour fully backs Gibraltar's self determination, says shadow foreign secretary

Speaking at a Labour Party Conference reception, Ms Thornberry said that after a 96% vote to remain, the people of Gibraltar have demonstrated they want to stay in EU

Britain's Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has said the Labour Party fully backs the Self Determination of the People of Gibraltar, and the Rock must continue to enjoy the benefits from its membership of the EU.

 Speaking at a reception in Gibraltar House during the Labour Party Conference, Ms Thornberry said that after a 96% vote to remain, the people of Gibraltar have demonstrated clearly that they want to stay part of the European Union.

Also speaking at the reception, Labour MEP Claire Moody asked all those gathered to stand with her, the Chief Minister and the Labour Party to ensure that Gibraltar stays strong, and is not made a pawn in the Brexit negotiations.

And Unite National Office Kevin Coyne said the Union was very proud of its connections with Gibraltar and the Socialist Labour Party. He described Gibraltar as a progressive part of the world with a very well organized economy.

At the conference, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has also met with the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, to discuss how Brexit issues will affect them and the areas of common interest. Mr Picardo also met briefly with Jeremy Corbyn, the newly re-elected Leader of the Labour Party.

The Chief Minister also discussed the security and defense of the Rock, and MoD jobs in Gibraltar, with the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Clive Lewis.